Two men stood opposite them, about fifteen feet away. They flanked Gabe, who was tied to a chair.

Ramon’s goon held a gun, leveled at them. Ramon’s pistol pressed to Gabe’s temple. Gabe’s face was bruised and bloody. One cheek was laid open to the bone. Blood oozed down his face. He forced a smile, trying to appear brave. It pained him and he winced. He sat in a battered chair, secured with duct tape.

“Get over here,” Ramon gestured to Maddie with his pistol.

Clayton cleared his throat. “Let the girl go, Ramon.”

“You call me Jefe!” he yelled. “She’s my insurance you won’t do something stupid. Once we tie you up, we’re gonna have some fun with her. You can watch if you want.” He leered dangerously.

A scream rose in Maddie’s throat. She tried to contain it by clamping her hands over her mouth, but she couldn’t. It burst forth as Ramon pointed the gun at Clayton.

“Get the damn girl,” Ramon ordered his flunky. “Tie them up. We’ll have some fun later.”

The goon moved toward her. Clayton shielded her with his body, but she moved to his side, wielding the flashlight like a billy club.

“Try it, perro. You’ll be missing your teeth.”

“Maddie, no,” Gabe groaned.

Ramon cuffed him. “Shut up, or the girl dies.”

“Better death than sex with you,” Maddie spit at him. “Is that the only way you get a woman? Threats and violence? I bet that turns you on. Or are you gay lovers with your butt buddy over here? You did prison time. Maybe you found a special someone there?”